(day 7) Istiklal Street (Istiklal Caddesi)

Once again I had no clear idea of where to go, just a bunch of dots on my google maps. So I played connect the dots!

Usually, I get to and from the hostel via the Funicular. Taksim Square is at the top of a hill. If you start from the coastline (where the ferries are, and where the last stop of the tram is), and walk to Taksim Square, it is an uphill hike the whole way. No thanks. The Funicular is a tiny public transportation line that just goes between the last stop on the tram and Taksim Square. Uphill and downhill, uphill and downhill.

Today though, I decided to walk to the coast (downhill), headed for Galata Tower. I earmarked a cafe along the way, recommended by a guidebook, for a short coffee break.

On my way down, I would go through Istiklal St. (Caddesi), the hip and happening street of Beyoglu, the hip and happening neighborhood of modern Istanbul. Istiklal means "independence", the street name was changed to Istiklal St. to commemorate the War of Independence that led to the formation of the Republic of Turkey (modern day Turkey).

If you want us to talk to each other then don't offer free wifi!

There are tons, and tons, and TONS of stores that sell Turkish sweets. I guess Turkish people must gift each other sweets a lot, because I think even the steady influx of tourists to Istanbul would not support this many sweets shops.

"Lokum" is their word for Turkish delights.

Istiklal St. is a very broad street. Cars can and do drive up and down the street, but at a snail's pace, and honking all the way, since leisurely-walking pedestrians mostly fill the breadth of the street. It's the equivalent of when a taxi drives through a night market in Taiwan. What were you expecting dude? Go around!

Piles of glorious, delicious food. Most of the dishes in these deli-styled places are a mix of meat and veggies, they almost look stir-fried. And of course everything is red-tinged because -- tomatoes!!

There are numerous side streets shooting off from Istiklal Caddesi. By day, it's endless avenues of restaurants and shops to explore, by night, many of these transform into bars and lounges, turning Istiklal Street into the center of Istanbul nightlife.

This area has the most liberally dressed young people of all the neighborhoods I've explored. Headscarves are not uncommon, but as you can see, the street fashion looks just the same as at home.

A BERSHKA!!!! Bershka is an international clothing store that I first discovered in Tokyo. They have branches all over the world, but strangely not in the US. I took a peek inside but they were gearing up for winter, and I didn't want to bring any thick sweaters home.

Just proof to Michael that Turkish delights ARE A REAL THING you ignorant slut.

There are so many sweet shops here it's crazy. Even if I tried 10 different kinds of sweets a day, I don't think I would have sampled all of them.

Just right here, about 10 varieties of baklava. Any no-nut kinds??

And the ubiquitous fruit juice stands, with endless heaps of pomegranate and oranges. I like the way they display them.

A cute cafe styled like a tram car.

Lured inside by artsy, design-y cups and mugs. I love cups and mugs. :<

All told, Istiklal St goes on for about .8 miles, or about a 15 min walk. I kind of breezed through, since I wasn't in the mood for shopping, and I needed to make good use of the remaining sunshine hours!